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DOME ALONE
9:22am Wednesday 9th July 2008
A DECISION to close Wirral’s most iconic church has created a furious backlash from parishioners.
The Catholic Diocese of Shrewsbury told shocked churchgoers after a service on Sunday that Ss Peter and Paul will close its doors for the last time on August 17.
Bishop Brian Noble admitted to them in his written statement: “Undoubtedly this is news you were hoping you would not hear,” adding: “I know from experience elsewhere in the Diocese just how painful you find this decision.”
Parishioners now fear the building - which was originally paid for entirely out of donations - could be sold off to developers eager to transform the hill-top site into luxury accommodation.
They are also angry about what they see as a complete U-turn by the Diocese after receiving a letter from the Vatican only last month that said the Bishop had “no current plans” to close the Atherton Street church.
The church is closing because the Diocese says it is too expensive to maintain and upkeep.
They insist the primary school of the same name on the site is safe.
The Globe tried to secure an interview with Bishop Noble through his official spokesman, the Rev John Joyce, but to no avail.
But Rev Joyce said in an email: “The decree of closure is about the closure of the building as a place of worship.
“What happens to it subsequently will be discussed with the local authority, who have an interest now as I understand it.
“There are no plans for demolition, and the Diocese confirms that the landmark of such a vantage point on the Wirral remains.
“The school as far as the Diocese is concerned remains 'safe' both as an institution, and on that site.
“I am not aware of any current interest in anyone redeveloping the building or offering any sort of money for it either to buy or leasehold.
But a council spokeswoman said: “The local authority does not have an interest in St Peter & Pauls. We met with the church and representatives of SOUL to offer advice and support.”
A spokesman for campaign group SOUL - Save Our Unique Landmark - told the Globe: “Parishioners have been treated with the utmost contempt.
“This was a done deal from the outset. It is a disgraceful decision.”
They are now appealing against the decision.
Your Say Your Globe
tradcath, Heswall says...
2:16pm Wed 9 Jul 08
nursey, wallasey says...
5:28pm Wed 9 Jul 08
This man has from the outset shown absolute contempt for his congregation. Ever since the possible sale of the church was mooted this so called ‘Man of The Cloth’ has point blankly refused to discuss the matter with the Parish Council, and The SOUL group. These parishioners have been expressly told that they were not allowed to raise this matter at any of their meetings, and were told not to discuss it. Even though he has clearly had no problem in making his views on the SOUL group known to his colleagues, as the Parish Priest at St Joseph has remarked that he feels the group are Trouble Makers, so clearly there has been some dialogue between them. His arrogance, along with that of his superiors, defies belief.
Sadly he, and his superiors, have relied on the ingrained teachings and belief system of the Catholic Faith, knowing that, especially the older members of his congregation, have been brought up to never the question the Priest, but accept, even when they may not agree with what is happening, not to against the will of the Church.
I am sure that anyone with any sense will realise that the pathetic excuse that money for repairs has been the deciding factor is a smoke screen. The Catholic Church realise that they have the prime piece of Real Estate in New Brighton on their greedy hands, and have continued to act in the same way that they have done for centuries, cash it in and add to their already swollen Coffers.
I can only say shame on you, but hopefully if what you preach is true, then you will receive your just deserts in Heaven.
ghawkins, wirral says...
6:58pm Wed 9 Jul 08
The council are no better - yet again they are prepared to dither and wait until a landmark is no longer viable.
Ray Rowland, Noctorum says...
9:14am Fri 11 Jul 08
This just proves how the Catholic Church places itself above even the teachings of The Bible.
Ray Rowland, Noctorum says...
9:22am Fri 11 Jul 08
But the money lenders and dealers are back in the temple
paloma, wallasey says...
9:14pm Sat 19 Jul 08
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